Air gun



C. SMYTH April 16, 1929.

AIR GUN` Filed nai-ch 22, 1926 -5 sheets-sheet.

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C. SMYTH AIR GUN w n 5 m s M @d m 5 l April 1e, 1929.

c. sMYTH AIR GUN Filed Iarch 22, 1926 5 Sheets-Sheet CHARLES 5MY7'H.

April 16, 192.9. C, SMYTH 1,?09,496

AIR GUN Filed March 22, 1926 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 CHARLES 5M Y TH.

Strom/w13 April 1s, 1929. C.' SMYTH AIR GUN Filed March 22, 1926 5Sheets-Sheet 5 Fi gl- CHA/n E5 5M YTH,

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Patented Apr. 16, 1929.

CHARLES SMYTH, 0F DAYTON, OHIO.

AIB GUN.

Application led March 22` 1926. Serial No. 96,511.

This invention relates to an air. gun and more particularly to an airgun designed for target shooting purposes .at amusement re sorts andsimilar places.

One object of the invention is to provide such an air gun which inappearance and manipulation will simulate an artillery rifle, or cannon,and which will discharge a projectile with suiiicient force to cause thesame to travel with reasonable accuracy a distance suflicient for targetshooting purposes.

A further object of the invention 1s to provide such a gun in which thesource of power for discharging the projectile will not be readilyapparent, thus imparting to the gun an atmosphere of mystery which addsto its interest as an amusement device.

A further object of the invention is to provide such a gun with simpleand eii'icient means for inserting the projectile therein and forcontrolling the discharge thereof.

l A further object of the invention is to provide such a gun in whichthe means for 1nserting a projectile and for controlling the dischargethereof will be so controlled as to insure the proper sequence ofoperations, thus enabling the gun to be operated by a person unfamiliartherewith without danger of in jury to the mechanism.

A further object of the invention is to provide such a gun with meansfor automatically determining the .quantity of air admitted thereto forthe purpose of discharging the projectile.

A further object of the invention is to provide such a gun with meanswhereby a plurality of projectiles will be successively presented inposition for insertion into the barrel of the gun.

Other objects of the invention will appear as the mechanism is describedin detail.

In the accompanying drawings Fig. 1 is a side elevation of an air gunembodying my invention; Fig. 2 is a transverse sectional View taken onthe line 2-2 of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section view showingthe outer casing in section and showing the operating mechanism in sideelevation and partly broken away; Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectionalview with the casing in vsection and showing the operating mechanism inplan view; Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 5 5of Fig. 4'; Fig. 6 is a transverse sectional view taken von the line 6-6of Fig. 4; Fig. 7 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 7-7of Fig. 3; Fig. 8

is a transverse sectional View taken on the line 8-8 of Fig. 4; Fig. 9is a transverse sectional View taken on the line9-9 of Fig. 4; Fig. 10is a vertical sectional view taken centrally of t-he rear portion of theoperating mecha nism; Fig. 11 is a sectional detail view of the breechmechanism for the gun; Fig. 12 is a detail view of the cut-off forming apart of the breech mechanism; Fig. 13 is a detail View of the latch forretainin is moved when the projectile is inserted in the barrel; Fig. 14is a plan View of the actuating device for the air valve; Fig. 15 is avertical sectional view of the air valve showing the actuating devicetherefor in elevation; Fig. 16 is a transverse sectional view on line16-16 of Fig. 15; Fig. 17 is a top plan view partly broken away of theprojectile casing or magazine; Fig. 18 is a bottom plan View of theprojectile casing; Fig. 19 is a longitudinal sectional View of theprojectile casing taken on the line 19-19 of Fig. 17; Fig. 20 is atransverse sectional view of the projectile casing taken on the line20-20 of Fig. 17;-and Fig. 21 is a sectional detail view of theprojectile.

In these drawings I have illustrated one embodiment of my invention andhave shown the operating mechanism as enclosed within an outer casingcomprising 4front and rear portions 1 and 2 connected by a collar 3. Thecollar 3 has laterally extending trunnions 4 by means of which thecasing, 1 and 2, is

mounted on a supporting frame 5, for movement about a horizontal axis.The supporting frame 5 in turn is mounted on a base 6 for movement abouta vertical axis. The casing 1 and 2, and the mounting therefor are ingeneral appearance similar to an artillery rifle and the gun itself,that is, the casing 1 and 2 and the parts enclosed therein, isadjustable about both a horizontal and vertical axis to enable the sameto be aimed at the target.

Mounted Within the rear portion 1 of the outer casing is a supportingframe comprising transverse frame members 7, 8 and 9, which arepreferably substantially7 disksliaped to fit Within the cylindricalcasing 1, and an inner collar 10 arranged within the outer collar 3 andcarrying a spider 11. The transverse frame members 7, 8 and 9 and thecollar 1() are connected one to the other by tie rods 12 on which aremounted spacing sleeves 13 to maintain the several transverse membersrigidly in their properly the air valveA controlling device in theposition to which it spaced positions. The barrel o f the gun comprisesan elongated tube 14 which 1s supported with its rear -end in line withan openlng 15 in the transverse frame member 8, which openingconstitutes a continuation of the barrel and forms a part of the breechthereof. The barrel or tube 14 extends forwardly throughthe frame member9 and spider 11 and extends beyond the spider 11 to the forward end ofthe front portion 2 of the outer casing. Preferably the rear end of thebarrel is supported in aA boss 16 formed centrally of a housing 1.7,rigidly secured to the transverse frame member 8 and spaced therefrom toform an air chamber 18. As here shown, the boss 16 is splitlongitudinally "so that the end of the ba'rrel maybe inserted thereinand the boss then clamped tightly about the same to secure it inposition but to permit of its ready removal.

The projectile is inserted in the barrelI through the breech opening 15in the frame member 8 and to this end means are provided for supportingthe projectile in line with the breech opening and in the path of aplunger 19, slidably mounted in the rear A transverse frame member 7 andin the head 20 of the outer casing. As here shown, this plunger has atits rear end a handle 21 with which are also connected guide rods 22arranged above and below the plunger 10 and slidably mounted in thetransverse frame members 7 8 and 9. The projectiles may be placed inposition for insertion into the barrel and supported in that osition inany suitable manner, either individually or in groups, but I prefer toutilize a projectile casing or magazine adapted to contain a 'pluralityof rojectiles and to so control the position o this casing that theprojectiles therein will be moved successively into line with the breechopening 15 `for the barrel. As shown in Figs. 17, 18 and 19, thisprojectile casing 123 is flat in form and is provided with a pluralityof chambers or guide-ways 23 each adapted to receive a projectile 24,there being in the present instance six such chambers, thus enabling sixprojectiles to be placed in the gun at one time and then movedsuccessively into loading position. 'Ihe'upper wall of the casing ispreferably continuous and each chamber may, if desired, be provided witha flat spring 25, or other suitable device, to frictionally engage theprojectile therein and hold the same against accidental displacement.,The lower wall of the casing has a slot 26 extending longitudinallythereof for its full length and exposing portions of the lower surfacesof the several projectiles which are within the casing.v The casing is,in the present instance,vof such a width that it will it snugly butslidably between the transverse frame members 7 and 8 and I have mountedbetween these frame members a supporting plate 27 arranged in aninclined position beneath the breech openiu 15, and the outer casing 1has in its upper side a slot 28 through which the rojectile casing maybe introduced and 1n its lower side an opening 29 through which thatcasing may be removed. Mounted on the supporting plate 27 is a stop,such as a block 30, arranged to enter the slot 26 in the bottom wall ofthe rojectile casing, when the latter is placed 1n position on thesupporting plate, and to be engaged by the lowermost projectile in thecasing to limit the downward movement of the casing. The supportingplate 27 and the stop block 30 are so arranged with relation to thebreech opening l5 that theprojectile which is in contact with the stopblock will be supported in line with the breech opening and with theplunger 19 so that the forward movement of the plunger will cause it toengage the rear end of the projectile, force the same through the breechopening and into the barrel 14 with its rear end lying beyond the airchamber 18. After the projectile has been inserted in the barrel theplunger is withdrawn to its normal position beyond the rear end of theprojectile casing, thus releasing that casing and permitting `the sameto move downwardly by gravity to bring the next projectile into contactwith the stop 30. In this manner the several projectiles in the casingthe successively and 'automatically moved into loading position. Theprojectile itself may be of any suitable character but I have here shownit of an elongated cylindrical shape with a tapered forward end so thatit has much the appearance of a large caliber cartridge. Preferably theforward end of the projectile is weighted, as shown at 31, so as tocause the projectile to travel in a substantially horizontal positionwith its tapered end forward.

After the projectile has been inserted in the barrel of the gun thebreech opening 15 is closed and air under pressure admitted to the airchamber 18 in sufiicient quantities and of suiicient pressure todischarge the projectile from the barrel with a force suflicient tocarry the same in an approximately straight line for a distance amplefor target shooting, usually from fifty to one hundred feet. The closingof the breech opening and the admission of air to theair lchamber takeplace successively and are preferably controlled by a single operatingdevice which so controls the operations that the breech opening willnecessarily be closed before air is admitted to the air chamber. As hereshown, the breech opening is closed by means of a cutoff 32 in the formof an elongated plate or valve which is pivotally mounted in the airchamber 18 for movement into and out of line with the breech opening 15.Preferably the cut-off has its contact face covered with yieldablematerial, as shown at 33, and is acted upon by a spring 34 which pressesthis yieldable material firmly into contact with the forward face of'the frame member 18 about the opening 15 and thus insures a tightclosure of the breech opening. The cut-off -1s rigidly secured to apivot pin 35 mounted 1n the wall of the housing 17 and having securedthereto an arm 36 with which is connected a spring 37 arranged to holdthe cut-off normally out of line with the breech opening. -As hereshown, the arm 36 is arranged to engage the lower surface of the barrel14 to limit the movement thereof. The pivot pin or stud shaft 35 lies inthe path of a pin 39 carried by an arm 40 rigidly secured to a shaft 41which is supported by the transverse frame members 7 8 and 9 and extendsbeyond the head 20 ofthe outer casing 1, where it is provided withaanoperating handle 42. A second arm 43 rigidly secured tothe shaft 41 isacted upon by a spring 44 to hold the shaft 41 and its connected partsin their normal positions. It will be apparent that when the shaft isrotated in a direction against the tension of the spring 44 the pin 39will engage the arm 38 and thus move the plvot pin 35 and the cut-off 32against the action of the spring 37, thereby7 moving the cut-off into aposition to close the breech opening.

The air chamber 18 in the housing 17 may be connected with any suitablesource of supply for air under pressure, such as an air compressor and,as here shown, the housing has a nipple 45 leadingto the air chamber andconz nected bv a flexible conduit 46 with one side of an air valve 47the other side of which i s connected bv a flexible conduit 48 with ap1pe 49 extending through one of the trunn1ons 4 of the ycollar 3 andthence downwardly through one of the side members of the frame 5 andthen inwardly to the center of the frame and downwardly through thepivotal. connection between the frame and the base 'or standard 6 andthence down through the standard to the ground, from whence it may beextended under ground'or under any suitable cover to a. source of airsupply located at some distance from the gun. With this arrangement ofthe air supply the source of power for operating the gun is not readilyapparent and this apparent lack of a source of power adds to t einterest in the gun as an amusement device.

The valve 47, which controls the admission of air to the barrel of thegun, may be ofany suitable character and may be operated in any suitablemanner, but preferably the operating mechanism for the valve is of sucha character that it will be moved to a retracted position when theprojectile is inserted in the gun and will then be caused to operate thevalve after'the cut-off 32 has been closed.

As here shown, the valve casing has a transverse apertured partition 50arranged between the conduits 46 and 48 and provided with a valve seatsurrounding the aperture,

and a valve member 51 is' arranged to engage that seat to control thecommunication between the two conduits. The valve member has a guidestem 52 extending below the partition and arranged int-he path of aplunger 53 slidably mounted in the lower part of the valve casing and'so arranged that the upward movement of the plunger will cause it toengage the valve stemand move the valve member to its open position. Bymaking the plunger 53 separate from the valve stem sufficient playbetween the two parts may be allowed to insure that the valve willalways seat itself when released regardless. of any variations in thelength of the plunger. The lower end of the plunger 53 lies in the pathof a pin 54 carriedby the rear end of a lever 55 which is pivotallymounted at its forward end on a bracket 56, this bracket being supportedby a bar or base plate 57 rigidly secured lto the transverse framemembers and collar 10 and forming a part of the main frame. The lever 55is moved about its axis and vertical movement imparted to the pin 54 tocause the latter to control the position of the valve member 51 and thismovement of the lever 55 is controlled by a cam plate 58 which iscarried by a lever 59 pivotally mounted at its' forward end on theupright flange ofan angle bar 60 which is slid-ably mounted on the baseplate 57. The length of the cam plate 58 is so proportioned withrelation to the movement imparted to the angle bar 60 that when that baris moved to the limit of its movement in either direction the cam 58will have been carried entirely beyond the pin 54. At its forward endthe cam plate 58 has its lower edge beveled, as shown at 6l, and theupper edge of the cam is so arranged with relation to the pin 54 thatwhen the angle bar or slide plate 50 is moved forwardly the beveledforward edge of the cam will engage the pin and ride over the same, thusmoving the lever 59 upwardly and permitting the cam to pass the ,'pinwithout imparting any movement thereto. rear end the cam 58 has itsupper edge beveled, as shown at 62, and'this beveled edge is so arrangedwith relation to the pin 54 that,

when the cam .is moved rearwardly, from its foremost positlon, thebeveled rear end of the ,cam will pass beneath the pin 54.and thus movethe same upwardly and cause it to open the valve. The valve will be heldin its open position as long as the pin remains in contact with theupper surface of the cam and thus the length of time that the valveremains open and the amount of air admitted to the barrel At its of. thegun, is determined by the speed at which the cam 58 moves from oneposition to the other.

The slide plate 60 which carries the operating cam for the valve may beactuated in any suitable manner but, in the present instance, this plateisacted upon by a spring which tends to move the same toward and holdthe same normally in its rearmost positions and means are providedwhereby the operation of the plunger 19 to insert a projectile in thebarrel of the gun will move this slide plate forwardly against theaction of its spring and cause the same to be locked in that position.After the plunger has returned to its normalposition the operation ofthe shaft 41 first closes the cut-ofi' 32 and then releases the slideplate 60 for movement by its spring, this movement causing the cam toopen the valve and admit air to the gun barrel. This may be accomplishedin various ways. In the present instance, I have connected the slide barat its rear end with a rod 62 which is .slidably mounted in brackets63`and 64 on the base plate 57. A spring 65 coiled about the rod 62 andconfined between the bracket 63 and stop collar 66 on the rod tends tomove the latter and the slide 60 rearwardly. The guide rods 22,connected with the handle 21 for the plunger 19, have secured thereto across head 67 which in turn is rigidly secured to a sleeve 68 slidablymounted on the barrel or tube 14. A spring 69 confined between a collar70 on the end of the sleeve 68 and the spider 11 serves to return thesleeve and consequently the handle 21 and plunger 19 to their normalpositions when the handle is released. A collar 72 secured to the lowerguide rod' 22 has a depending portion or lug 73 arranged to engage afinger 74 extending upwardly from the collar 66. The lug 73 is normallyspaced such a distance from the finger 74 that it will not engage thefinger until the plunger has partlyv completed its movement, thuscausing less movement to be imparted to the controlling rod ,than is imparted to the plunger 19. Cooperating with a stop 75 on the rod 62 is alatch 76 which is pivotally mounted on the bracket 64, extendslengthwise of the rod 62 above the same and when unrestrained will bemoved by gravity into Contact with the rod. `When the parts are in theirnormal positions the stop 75 will lie in the rear of the free end of thelatch 76 and the forward movement of the rod 62 will move the stop 75beyond the end of the latch which will ride over the same and then dropinto the path thereof so as to prevent the rearward movement of the rodby the spring 65, the stop being so arranged on the rod 65 that when itis in operative engagement with the latch the valve actuating cam 58will lie on the forward side of the pin 54. The'latch 76 is connected bymeans of a link 77 with an arm 7 8 loosely mounted on the shaft 4l, (seeFigs. 7 and 13), so that the shaft may rotate in the hub of the arm.Rigidly secured to this shaft 41, adjacent to the arm 78, is a secondarm 79 having a pin `8O arranged to engage the arm 78 when the shaft 41is rotated and lift the arm 78 and the latch 76, thus releasing. thecontrolling rod 62 for movement by thespring 65. It will be noted thatthe pin 80 of the latch actuating device is normally spaced aconsiderable distance from the adjacent edge of the arm 7 8.Consequently the shaft 41 is permitted to move a distance sufficient toVinsure the operation of the cut-off 32 before the controlling rod is4released and the air valve opened by the rearward movement of thatyrod. As has been stated the amount of air admitted to the barrel of thegun is controlled by the length of time required for the valve actuatingcam 58 to pass the pin 54. The movement of the rod 62 and consequentlyof the cam may be regulated in any suitable manner. As here shown, therear end of the rod 62 is provided with a piston 81 which is mounted inan air cylinder or dash pot 82, the relief port of which iscontrolled bya screw 83 so that the escape of air therefrom may be regulated and themovement of the rod 66 timed accordingly. Means are also provided toinsure that the plunger and its connected parts are moved to the fullend of their movement in either direction thus insuring the properpositioning of all the parts. As here shown, a pawl 84 is pivotallymounted on the cross .head 67 carried'by the guide rod 22 and swingsfreely thereon. This pawl is so arranged that when the guide rods aremoved forwardly it will engage a toothed rack 85 rigidly secured to thebase plate 57 and will ride over that rack in an inclined position sothat the rear end of the pawl will engage the successive teeth of therack and prevent the rearward movement of the pawl and guide rods untilthe guide rods have been moved forward fary enough to perlnit the pawlto clear the toothed rack and again assume a vertical position. When theguide rods are moved rearwardly through the action of thespring 69 thepawl will ride over the toothed rack in the opposite direction, thuspreventing the forward movement of the guide rods and their connectedparts until they have been moved to their rear ost positions.

Loc ring devices are provided to prevent the operation of the dischargecontrolling shaft 41 while the plunger 19 is in anadvanced position andto prevent the advancement of the plunger 19 when the shaft 41 has beenmoved from its normal position. (See Figs. 3, 4 and 8.) Pivotallymounted on the transverse frame member 9 is an arm 86, the inner end ofwhich is movable into and out of the path of a collar 87 rigidly securedto the sleeve 68. A spring 88 acts on this arm to hold the same normallyout of the path of the collar 87 and in contact with a shoulder or cam89 on the shaft 41. This shoulder 89 is so arranged that when the shaftis rotated in an operative direction it will force the arm 86 upwardlyand into the path of the collar 87, thus preventing the forward movementof the sleeve 68 and the parts conond arm 90 the lower end of which ismovablel into and out of a position directly above and in the path ofthe arm 86 A spring 91 acts on the arm 90 to move the same into the path'of the arm 86. Carried by the lower portion of the arm 90 is a finger92 which overlaps the rear side ofthe collar 87 on the sleeve 68 and isso arranged that when that` sleeve is moved to its rearmost position itwill engage the finger and move the arm 90 out of4 the path of thearm`86. The shoulder or cam 89 which engages the'lower edge of the arm86 being rigidly secured to the shaft 41 it will be obvious that thatshaft cannot be rotated unless the arm 86 is free to move upwardly andwhen this movement is prevented bythe arm 90 the shaft 41 is positivelylocked against movement. A finger 93 on theshaft 41 contacts with one ofthe tie rods l2 .to limit the movement of the shaft 41 in a reversedirection. I have also provided means for preventing the operation ofthe plunger 19 when there is no projectile case in position in the gun.To this end I have mounted in the frame members 8 and 9 a shaft 94, therear end of which extends beneath `the supporting plate 27 for theprojectile case andhas secured thereto an arm 95, the end portion ofwhich is bent upwardly, as shown yat 96 and adapted to extend through aslot 97 in the supporting plate into the path of the projectile case.Secured to the shaft 94, adjacent to the frame member 9, isa second arm98 which is acted upon by a spring 99 which tends to move the shaft 94in a direction to retain the end portion 96 of the arm 95 above thesurface of the supporting,plate 27. lVhen the portion 96 of the arm 95extends above the surface of the plate 27 the spring 994 will move thearm 98 into the path of the collar 87 on the sleeve 68 and it will thusprevent the forward movement of the sleeve and the plunger. lVhen aprojectile case is inserted in the gun the lower surface thereof willcontact with the upturned end portion of the arm 95 and force the samedownwardly. below the surface of the supporting plate and this movementwill also serve to carry the arm 98 outfof'V the path of the collar 87and thereby release the plunger for movement.

The operation of the mechanism will be readily understood` from theforegoing description and it will be apparent that when the gun is to beused the projectile case containing one or more projectiles is insertedin the casing of the gun and the lowermost projectile therein isautomatically centered with relation to the breech opening of the gun.The insertion of this casing having released the plunger 19 foroperation the operator grasps the handle 21 and forces the plungerforward, thus forcing the projectile into the barrel of the gun. Thefull stroke mechamsm makes it necessary 'for' the plunger to be movedforward its full distance and thus insures the proper positioriing ofthe projectile in the barrel of the gun. ,This forward movement of theplunger-also carries j the valve controlling rod 62 toits foremost.position in which position it is engaged by the latch `7 6 whichyretains it in its'advanced position when the plunger has been releasedand returned to its retracted position by the spring 69. As soon as theplunger has been released the operating handle 42 of the shaft 41 isactuated, `thus rotating the shaft 41 and causing the locking arm 86 tobe moved into a position to hold the plunger against movement. Thefurther movement 'of the shafty moves the cut-01T 32 into a position toclose the breech opening and after this has been accomplished the pin ofthe arm 79 will engage the arm 78 and a/ctuate the latch 76 to releasethe controlling rod 62 for movement y by the spring65. This movement bfthe rod carries the valve actuating cam beneath 'the pin 54 and opensthe valve to admit air to the air chamber 18 and the barrel in the rearofthe projectile. The air pressure is maintained during an intervaldetermined by the adjusting screw 83 of the dash pot 82. The air thusadmitted to the barrel will discharge the projectile from the barrelwith sufficient force to carry it in a substantially straightline for aconsiderable distance.

l/Vhile I have shown and described one embodiment of my invention I-wish it to be understood that'I do not desire to be limited to -thedetails thereof as various modifications may occur to a person skilledin the art.

Having now fully described my invention what I claim as new and desireto secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. In an air gun, a main frame comprising a transverse frame memberhaving an opening therethrough, aplate mounted on said frame member andhaving a hollow boss in line with said opening and'having means forspacing a portion thereof'from said framev member to form an airchamber, a barrel mouned in said hollow boss, a closure mounted in saidair chamber for movement into and out of a position to close the openingin said frame member, means for actuating said closure, and means forintroducing air under .pressure -into said air chamber.

2. In an air gun, a barrel having a breach opening through which aprojectile may be inserted therein, means for supporting a projectilevinline with said opening, a plunger to move said projectile through said oenin into said barrel, means to close said reec opening after saidprojectile has been inserted in said barrel, a conduit to connect saidbarrel with a source of supply for air under pressure, a valveinterposed in said conduit, a spring operated valve actuating device,

'jectile in line with said opening, a plunger to move said'projectilethrough said opening into said barrel, means to close said breechopening after said projectile has been inserted in said barrel, a detentto connect said barrel with a source of supply for air under pres,-

- sure, a valve in said conduit, a spring operated valve actuatingdevice, cooperating parts connected with said plunger and with saidvalve actuating device to cause the latter to be moved against thetension of its spring by the forward movement of said plunger` a detentto hold said valve actuating'device against movement by its spring, andmeans to move said detent into an inoperative position.

4. In an air gun, a main, frame, a barrel mounted in said main frame andhaving a breech opening through which a projectile may be insertedtherein, means for supporting a projectile in line with said opening. aplunger to move said projectile through said opening into said barrel,guide rods connected with said plunger and slidably mounted in said mainframe, a sleeve slidably inounted on said barrel` means for rigidlyconnecting said sleeve with said guide rods, a spring acting on saidsleeve to resist the forward movement thereof, means to close saidbreech pening after a projectile has been inserted in said barrel, andmeans to admit air under pressure to said barrel after said opening hasbeen closed.

5. In an air gun, a main frame. a barrel mounted in said main frame andhaving a breech opening through which a propectile may be insertedtherein, means for supporting a projectile in line with said opening, a

plunger to move said projectile through said opening into said barrel,guide rods connected with said plunger and slidablv mounted in said mainframe, a sleeve slidably mountl ed 'on said barrel. means` for rigidlyconnecting'said sleeve with said guide rods, a spring acting on saidsleeve to resist the forward movement thereot'v` means to close saidbreech opening after a projectile has been inserted` in said barrel, adetent to connectsaid barrel with a source of supply for air underpressure, a rod slidably'mounted on said frame. a valve actuating memberconnected with said rod, a spring acting on said rod to move the same inone direction, cooperating parts carried by said rod and one of saidguide rods to move said spring controlled rod against the action of saidspring, a detent to hold in said main frame, a sleeve slidably mounted fon said barrel, means for rigidly connecting said sleeve with said guiderods, a spring acting on said sleeve to resist the forward movementthereof, means to close said breech opening after a projectile has beeninserted 1n said barrel, a detent to connect said barrel with a sourceof supply for air under pressure, a rod slidably mounted on said frame,a

valve actuating member connected with said rod, a spring acting on saidrod to move the saine in one direction, cooperating parts carried bysaid rod andone of said guide rods to move said spring controlled rodagainst the action of saidspring, a detent to hold said .springcontrolled rod against movement by its spring, means to move said detentinto an inoperative position, and adjustable means to regulate themovement of said rod by said spring.

7. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening through which aprojectile may be inserted therein, means for supporting a projectile inline with said opening, a plunger to move said projectile through saidopening into said barrel, a .closure for said breech opening, a conduitto connect saidbarrel with a source of supply for air under pressure, avalve in said conduit, a spring operated device for actuating saidvalve, a part connected with said plunger to retract said valveactuating device against the action of its spring when a projectile isinserted in said barrel, a detent toretain said valve actuating devicein its retracted position, and means for first actuating the closurefoi' said breech opening and tlien actuating said detent to release saidvalve actuating device.

8. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech 11.3

opening through which a projectile may be inserted therein, means forsupporting a projectile in line with said opening, a plunger to movesaid projectile through said opening into said barrel, a closure forsaid breech opening, a conduit to connect said barrel with a source ofsupply for air under pressui'e, a valve in said conduit` a springoperated device for actuating said valve, a part connected with saidplunger to retract said valve actuating device against the action of itsspring when a projectile is inserted in said barrel, a detent to retainsaid valve actuating device in its retracted position, and a rotatableshaft operatively connected with said closure for said breech openingand foperatively connected with said latch, said connections being soarranged that therotation of said shaft will first cause said closure tobe moved to its closed position and will then move said detent to itsinoperative position.

valve actuating device against the action of Y its spring when aprojectile isinser'ted in said barrel, a detent to retainsaid valvea'ctuf opening through which a projectile may be inserted therein, meansfor supporting a projectile in line with said opening, a plunger to'movesaid projectile through said opening int-o said barrel, a closure forsaid breech opening, a conduit to connect said barrel with.

a source of supply for air under pressure,

a valve in said conduit, a spring operated de-l vicevfor actuating saidvalve, apart connected with said plunger to retract said valve actuatingdevice against the action of its spring -`When aprojectile is insertedin said j barrel, a detent to retain said valve actuating device in itsretracted position, a rotatable shaft operatively connected with saidclosure and with said detent, and means to prevent the operation of saidplunger when said shaft has been moved from itsnormal position. l

1l. In an air gun. a barrel having a breech opening through which aprojectile may be inserted therein. means for supporting a projectile inline with said opening, a plunger to move said projectile through saidopening into said barrel, a closure for said breech opening, a conduitto connect said barrel with a source of supply for air under pressure, avalve in said conduit, a spring operated device for actuatingsaid'valve, a part connected with said plunger to retract said valveactuating device against ,the action of its spring when a projectile isinserted in ating device in vits retracted position, a rosaid barrel, adetent to retain said valve actuatlng device in its retracted position,means to actua'te said detent to release said valve actuating device,and means for preventing the operatlon of sald releasing means when saidplunger has been inoved from its nor-y mal position.

12. In an air gun a barrel having a breech opening through Which aprojectile may be in-l serted therein, means for supporting a projectilein line with said opening, a plunger to move said projectile throughsaid opening intosaid barrel, a closure for said breech opening, an. airconduit connected with said barrel, a valve in said conduit, anactuating device for said valve, a device having means to controlthe'operation of said closure and of said valve actuating device, and alocking device to prevent the operation of said plung-v er' when saidcontrolling device has been moved from its initial position.

13. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening through which aprojectilemay be insertedtherein, means for supporting a projectile inline with said opening, a plunger to move said projectile throughsaidopening into said barrel, a closure for `said breech opening, an airconduit connected with said barrel, a valve in said conduit, anactuating device for said valve, a device having means to control theoperation of said closure and of said valve actuating device, and. meansto prevent the operation of said controlling device when said plungerhas been movedfro'm its initial position.

14. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening through which aprojectile may be inserted therein, means for supporting a projectile inline with said opening, a plunger to move a projectile through saidopening into said barrel, a sleeve slidably mounted on said barrel andconnected with said plunger, a spring acting on said sleeve to hold saidplunger normally in its rearmost position, a closure for said breechopening, an air conduit connected with said barrel, a valve in saidconduit, a valve actuating device, a shaft having rotatory movement tocontrol the` 'jectile in line with said opening, a plunger 'to move aprojectile through said opening into said barrel, a sleeve slidablymounted on said barrel and connected with said plunger, a spring actingon said sleeve to holdsaid plunger normallyin its rearmost position,

ya closure for said breech opening, an air conduit connected with saidbarrel, a valve in said conduit, a valve actuating device, a shafthaving rotatory movement to controll the operation of said closure andsaid valve actuating device, a stop on said sleeve, a locking armmounted for movement into and out of the ath of said stop, a lug rigidlysecured to said3 shaft and arranged to engage said arm, and meanscontrolled by the position of the stop on said sleeve to hold saidpivoted arm in contact with the projection on said j connected with saidbarrel, a valve'in said conduit, a valve actuating device, a shafthaving rotatory movement to control the operation ofsa1d closure andsaid valve actuating device, a stop on said sleeve, a locking arm`mounted for movement into and out of the path of said stop, a lugrigidly secured to said shaft and arranged to engage said arm, a secondarm pivotally mounted for movement. into and out ofthe path of the firstmentioned arm, a finger carried by said second arm and lso arranged withrelation to the stop on said sleeve that said second arm will be movedout of the path of the first mentioned arm when said plunger is in itsfully retracted position, and a spring tending to move said second arminto the path of the first mentioned arm, thereby holding the same incontact with the projection on said shaft and preventing the rotation ofsaid shaft.

17. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening through which aprojectile may be inserted therein, a easing adapted to contain aplurality of projectiles, means for movably supporting said casingadjacent to said breech opening, whereby said projectiles may be movedsuccessively into line with said breech opening, a plunger to move thatprojectile which is in line with said breech opening into said barrel,means to close said breech opening after a projectile has been insertedin said barrel, and means to admit air under pressure to said barrelafter said opening has been closed.

1S. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening through which aprojectile may be inserted therein, an inclined supporting memberarranged beneath said breech opening, a projectile case adapted to beslidably supported on said supporting member and having a slot on thelower side thereof, a stop on said supporting member arranged to extendthrough said slot and engage the lowermost projectile in said casing andsupport said projectile in line with said breech opening, a plunger tomove said projectile through said opening into said barrel, means toclose said breech opening after said projectile has been inserted insaid barrel, and means to` admit air under pressure to said barrel aftersaid opening has been closed.

19. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening through which aprojectile may be inserted therein, an'inclined supporting memberarranged beneath said breech opening, a projectile case adapted to beslidably supported on said supporting member and having a slot on thelower side thereof, a stop on said sup orting member arranged to extendthrong 1 said slot and engage the lowermost projectile in said casingand support said projectilein line with said breech opening, aplungerjto move said projectile through said breech opening into saidbarrel, means` to close said breech opening after saidprojectile hasbeen inserted in said barrel, means to admit air underl pressure to saidbarrel after said opening has been closed, means for normally lockingsaid plunger against movement, and means actuated by said projectilecase when the latter is placed in operative position on said supportingmember to move said locking means into a locking position.

QOXln an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening through which aprojectile may be inserted therein, an inclinedsupporting memberarranged beneath said breech opening, a projectile case adapted to beslidably supported on said supporting member and having a slot on thelower side thereof, a stop on said supporting member arranged to veX-tcnd through said slot and engage the lowermost projectile in saidcasing and support said projectile in line with said breech opening, aplunger tomove said projectile through said opening into said barrel,means to close said breech opening after said projectile has beeninserted in said barrehmeans to admit air under pressure`to said barrelafter said opening has been closed, a sleeve slidably mounted on saidbarrel connected with said plunger, a spring acting on said sleeve tomove said plunger to its retracted position. a stop on said sleeve, ashaft extending lengthwise of said sleeve, an arm rigidly secured tosaid shaft, a spring to move said arm into the path of said stop andlock said sleeve andVV said plunger against movement, a second arminserted. therein, a supporting member ar ing member with a projectilein line Withl said breech opening, a plunger to move said projectilethrough said breech opening into said barrel, means to close said breechopening after said projectile has been inserted in said barrel, means toadmit air under pressure to said barrel after -said breech opening hasbeen closed, a device for lockingsaid plunger against movement, andmeans actuated by said projectile case when the latter is laced inposition on said supporting mem- Eer to control the position of saidlocking device.

22. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening through which aprojectile may be inserted therein, means for supporting a projectile inline with said opening, a plunger to move said projectile through saidopenino' into said barrel, a closure for lsaid breec opening, a conduitto connect said barrel With a source of supply for air under pressure,

a valve in said conduit, a spring operated de-` vice for actuating saidvalve, a part connected with said plunger to retract said valve actuating device against the action of its spring when a projectile isinserted in lsaid barrel, a detent to retain said valve actuating devicein its retracted position, means for first actuating a closure for saidbreech opening and then actuating said detent to release said valveactuating device, and adjustable means to determine the time said valveshall remain open.

23. In an airv gun, a barrel, means for inserting a projectile'in saidbarrel, an air conduit leading to said barrel in the rear of saidprojectile, a valve interposed in said conduit and comprising a casinghaving a valve seat, a valve member arranged to be held in contact withsaid seat solely by air pressure, a plunger slidably mounted in saidcasing and arranged to engage said valve member and move the same fromsaid seat, and means for actuating said plunger'.

24. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening'througli which aprojectile may be inserted therein, means for closing said breechopening, an air conduit leading to said barrel, a valve interposed insaid conduit and comprising a casing having a valve seat, a valve memberarranged to be held in contact with said seat by air pressure, a plungerslidably mounted in said casing and arranged to engage said valve memberand move the saine from said seat, a spring actuated device to operateysaid plunger, and a single device for controlling said breech closingmeans and said actuating device for said plunger.

25. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening, means forinserting' a projectile. in said barrel through said breech opening, amovable closure for said breech opening, an air conduit communicatingwith said barrel 1n the rear of said projectile, a valve in saidconduit, and a device' separate from said means for inserting theprojectile to first move said closure to a position to close said breechopening and then open. said air valve.

26.. I n an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening, means forinserting a projectile in said barrel through said breech' opening, amovable closure fork said breech opening, an air conduit `communicatingwith said barrel in the rear of said projectile, a valve in saidconduit, and a device separate from saidmeans for inserting theprojectile to first move said closure to a position to close said breechopening and then open said air valve and positively retain the same inits ppen position'for a predetermined period of ime.

27 In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening, means for insertinga projectile in said barrel through said breech opening, a movableclosure for said breech opening. an air conduit communicating with saidbarrel in the rear of said projectile, a valve in said conduit, a deviceseparate from said means for inserting the projectile to iirst move saidclosure to a position to close said breech opening and then open saidair valve and positively retain the same in its open position for apredetermined period of time, and means for varying the period of timelduring which said air valve is retained in its open position.

28.. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening, 4means forinserting a projectile in said barrel through said breech opening, acut-off separate from said projectile inserting means and movable intoand out of a position to close said breech opening, means for actuatingsaid cut-off, an air conduit communicating with said barrel in the rearof said projectile, a valve in` said conduit, means for actuating saidvalve, and a device operable independently of the operation oi' saidprojectile inserting means to cause said cut-oit actuating means andsaid valve actuating means to operate successively.

29. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening, means forinsert-ing a projectile in said barrel through said breech olieniiig, acut-ott separate from said projectile insei-ting means and movable intoand out of a position to close said breech opening, means for actuatingsaid cut-off, an air conduit communicating With said barrell in the rearof said projectile, a valve in said conduit, means oractuating saidvalve, a shaft separate from said projectile inserting means andoperatively connected with said cut-oil actuating means and said valveactuating means, and means for actuating said shaft.

30. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening, a device forinserting -a projectile in said barrel through said opening, a cutofimovable into and out of a position t o close said opening, an airconduit communicating with said barrel, a valve in said conduit, aspring actuated device for opening said valve, means controlled by saidprojectile insertiiig device to retract said valve opening deviceagainst the action of its spring, a detent to retain said device in .itsretracted position when said projectile 1nserting device is returned toits normal position, and a single device to control the movement of saidcut-off and the position of said detent.

31. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening, a device forinserting a projectile in said barrel through said opening, a cut-olfmovable into and out of a position to close said opening, an airconduitcommunicating with said barrel, a valve in said conduitha springactuated device for opening. said valve, means controlled by saidprojectile inserting device to retract said valve opening device againstthe action of its spring, a detent to retain said device in itsretracted position when said projectile inserting device is returned toits normal position, and means to move said cut-off to its closedposition and to move said detent to its inoperative position.

32. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening, a'device forinserting a projectile'in said barrel through said opening, a cut-oft'movable into and out of a position to close said opening, an air conduitcommunicating With said barrel, a valve in said conduit, a springactuated device for opening said valve, means controlled by saidprojectile inserting device to retract said valve opening device againstthe action of its spring, a detent to retain said device in itsretracted position when said projectile inserting device is returned toits normal position, means to move said cut-off to its closed positionand to move said detent to its inoperative position, and means toprevent the movement of said valve opening device in a reverse direction,until it has completed its movement in the direction in which it hasbeen started.

33. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening, a device forinserting a projectile in said barrel through said opening, a cut-offmovable into and out of a position to close said opening, an air conduitcommunicating with said barrel, a valve in said conduit, a springactuated device for opening said valve, means controlled by saidprojectile inserting device tol retract said valve opening deviceagainst the action of its spring, a detent to retain said deviceein/tsretracted position when said projectile inserting device is returned toits normal position, means to move said cut-0E to its closed positionand to move said detent to its inoperative position, and

moans to retard the movement of said valve opening device by its springand retain the opening, an air conduit communicating with' said barrel,a valve in said conduit, a device separate from said projectileinserting device to control the operation of said valve, and meanscontrolled by the position of said controlling device to prevent theoperation of said projectile inserting device when said controllingdevice has been moved from its normal position.

35. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening, an operable devicefor insertin a rojectile in said barrel, a cut-oli inova le into and outof a position to close said breech opening, an air' conduitcommunicating with said barrel, a valve in said conduit, a deviceseparate from said projectile inserting device to control the operationof said valve and means controlled by the position of said projectileinserting device to prevent the operation of said controlling devicewhen said projectile inserting device has been moved from its normalposition.

36. Inl an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening, an operable devicefor ,inserting a projectile in said barrel, a cut-off movable into andout of a. position to close said breech opening, an air conduitcommunicating with said barrel, a valve in said conduit, a shaft tocontrol the operation of said cut-ofiI and said valve, and means toautomatically lock said shaft againstoperation when said projectileinserting device is moved from its normal position. l

37. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening, an operable devicefor inserting a projectile in said barrel, a cut-off movable into andout of a position to close said breech opening, an air conduitcommunicating with said barrel, a valve in said conduit, a shaft tocontrol the operation of said cut-off and said valve, and means toautomatically lock'said projectile inserting device against operationwhen said shaft is moved from its normal position.

38. In an air gun. a barrel having a breech opening. an operable devicefor inserting a projectile in said barrel, a cut-olf movable into andout of a position to close said breech opening, an air conduitcommunicating with said barrel, a valve in said conduit, a studoperatively connected with said valve to control the opening and closingthereof, a slide bar,a lever pivotally mounted on said slide bar, a camcarried by said lever and so arranged that when one end of said cam ismoved into engagement with said stud said lever Will be moved about itsaxis to permit rx, i

said cam to pass said stud without actuating the same and When'the otherend of said cam is moved into engagement with said stud said cam willactuate saidstud and cause the same to open said air valve, and means toactuate said slide bar.

39. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening, a'n operable devicefor insertinga projectile in said barrel, a cut-off movable into and outof a position to close said breech opening, an air conduit communicatingwith said barrel, a valve in said conduit, a stud operatively connectedwith said valve to control the openingland closing thereof, a slide bar,a lever pivotally mounted on said slide bar, a cam carried by said leverand so arranged that when one end of said cam j is moved into engagementWith said stud Said lever Will be moved about its axis to permit saidcam to pass said stud Without actuating the same and When the other endof said cam is moved into engagement With said stud said cam willactuate said stud and cause the same to open said air valve, a spring tomove said slide bar and said cam in the last mentioned direction, meansactuated by said projectile inserting device to move said slide bai'against the action of said spring, a detent t o hold said bar againstmovement by said spring, and means to move said detent to an inoperativeposition.

40. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening, an operable devicefor inserting a projectile in said barrel, a cut-ofi' movable into andout of a position to close said breech opening, an air conduitcommunicating with said barrel, a valve in said conduit comprising acasing and a valve member movably mounted in said casing, a plungermounted in said casing to control the position of said valve member, astud movably mounted in line with said plunger, a slideibar mountedadjacent to said stud, a lever pivotally mounted on said slide bar, anelongated cam carried by said lever and having one end shaped to rideover said stud and having its other end shaped to pass beneath said studand cause the latter to actuate said plunger, and means for actuatingsaid 'slide bar.

41.' In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening, an operable devicefor inserting a projectile in said bari'el, a cut-off movable into andout of a position to close said breech opening, an air conduitcommunicating with said barrel, a valve in said conduit comprising acasing and a valve member. movably mounted in said casing, a plungermounted in said casing to control the position of said valve member, astud movably mounted in line with said plunger, a slide bar mountedadjacent to said stud, a lever pivotally mounted on said slide bar, anelongated arm carried by said lever and havingone end shaped to rideover said stud and having its other end shaped to pass beneath said studand cause the latter to actuate said plunger, meansl for actuating saidslide bar, and adjustable means for regulating the movement of saidslide bar.

42. In an air un, a frame,'a housing mounted on said rame andconstituting an air chamber, a' barrel having its rear end supported inone Wall of said housing and communicating With said chamber, theopposite wall of said housing having an opening in line with saidbarrel, means for inserting a projectile in said barrel through saidopening, a closure mounted Within said housing for movement into and outof a position to close said opening, means for` introducing air underpressure into said chamber, Whereby said closure will be pressed againstsaid' wall about said opening, and means for actuating said closure andfor controlling the admission of air to said chamber.

43. In an air gun, a supporting structure, a barrel carried by saidsupporting structure and havinga breech opening through.

which a projectile may be inserted therein, a movable projectilesupporting device adapted to carry a plurality of projectiles, means tosupport said device in .different positions on said supporting structureto aline different projectiles With said breech opening, means to move aprojectile from said device through said breech opening into saidbarrel, means to Close said breech opening after said projectile hasbeen inserted in said barrel, and means to admit air under pressure tosaid barrel after said breech opening has been closed.

445. In an air gun, a barrel, means for in serting a projectile in saidbarrel, an air conduit leading to said barrel in the rear of saidprojectile, a valve interposed in said conduit and comprising a casinghaving a valve seat, a valve member arranged to be held in contact withsaid seat solely by air pressure, a plunger slidably mounted in saidcasing, and arranged to engage said valve member and move the same fromsaid seat, and an actuating device for saidk plunger having means tohold said valve in said open position for a. predetermined lengtlioftime. l

45.' In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening through which aprojectile may be inserted therein, means for closing .said breechopening after said projectile has been inserted, an air conduitcommunicating Wit-h said barrel in the rear of said projectile, a valveto control the passage of air through said conduit, a spring actuatedcontrolling device to open said valve, and means to retard the movementof said spiin actuated device to determine the length o time said valveshall remain open.

' 46. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening through which aprojectile may be inserted therein, means for closing said breechopening after said projectile has been inserted, an air conduitcommunicating with said barrel in the rear of said projectile, a valveto control the passage of air through said conduit, a device to controlthe opening and closing of said valve, actuating mechanism for saidcontrolling device, and means for controlling the movement of said valvecontrolling device by said actuating mechanism to cause said valve toremain open for a predetermined period of time.

47. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening through which aprojectile may be inserted therein, means for closing said breechopening after sai'dprojectile has been inserted, an air conduitcommunicating with said barrel in therear of said projectile, a valve tocontrol the passage of air through said conduit, a, valve controllingdevice having means for retaining said valve in its open position duringa predetermined movement ofvsaid device, and means for controlling tliespeed at Which said controlling de-` vice moves.

48. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening through Which aprojectile may be inserted therein` means for closing said breechopening after said projectile has been inserted, an air conduitcommunicating with said barrel in the rear of said projectile, a valveto control the passage of air through said conduit, a member connectedWith said valve, a controlling device having a part of predeterminedlength to engage said member, move said valve to its open position andretain said valve in its open position as long as said part remains inengagement with said member, and means for moving said part at apredetermined speed.

49. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening through, which aprojectile may be inserted therein, means for closing said breechopening after said projectile has been inserted, an air conduitcommunicating with said barrel in the rear of said projectile, a valveto control the passage of air through said conduit, a valve controllingdevice having a part movable in two directions, and means controlled bysaid part to cause said valve to be opened when said part moves in onedirection only.

50. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening through which aprojectile may be inserted therein, a device for inserting a pro-Lectile in said barrel, meansefor closing said .reech opening after aprojectile has been insertedin said barrel, an air conduit communicatingwith said barrel in the rear of said projectile, a valve in saidconduit, an actuating device comprising a part to vengage said valve,and' means controlled separately from said projectile inserting deviceto cause said part of said actuating device to engage and open saidvalve and to retain said part in engagement with said valve for apredetermined peri'od of time.

51. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening through which aprojectile may be inserted therein, a device for inserting a projectilein said barrel, means for closing said breech opening after a projectilehas been inserted in said barrel, an air conduit communieating with saidbarrel in the rear of said projectile, a valve.. in said conduit, anactuating device comprising a part to engage said valve, meanscontrolled by said projectile inserting device to move said part of saidactuating dev ice toa position preliminaryto the operation of saidvalve, and means controlled separately from said projectile insertingde- .vice to cause said part to engage and open said valve and retainsaid part in engagement with said valve for a predetermined period oftime.

52. In a'n air gun, a barrel having a breech opening through which aprojectile may be inserted therein, means for closing said opening aftera projectile has been inserted, an air conduit leading to said barrel inthe rear of said projectile, a valve in said conduit, an actuatingdevice for said valve comprising a part movable in one 'directionWithout opening said valve, and adapted to open said valve when moved inthe other direction, means for controlling the movement of said part inthe last mentioned direction to cause said valve to be retained in saidopen position for a predetermined interval, and means to prehereto.

CHARLES SMYTH.

